General Atomics Takes on Lead Industrial Role to Tackle America’s Nuclear Waste Challenge

SAN DIEGO — America has spent decades searching for a better answer to one of nuclear energy’s toughest questions: what to do with used nuclear fuel that can remain hazardous for thousands of years. Now, General Atomics (GA) is taking on a lead industrial role in a collaborative project to develop technology that could make large-scale nuclear waste processing more practical and affordable in the United States.

The work is part of NEWTON, a program led by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E). Short for Nuclear Energy Waste Transmutation Optimized Now, NEWTON is exploring new approaches to processing used nuclear fuel. Working alongside collaborators Jefferson Lab, Stellant Systems and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, GA was awarded a contract to develop a prototype radio frequency (RF) system using a technology known as magnetron combining. The goal is to develop a more efficient and affordable way to power the equipment used for transmutation, a process that transforms nuclear waste into forms that are easier to manage.

“We’re proud to step into this larger role on a project with the potential to change how the country thinks about nuclear waste,” said Dr. Drew Packard, scientist for General Atomics Energy. “Our team combines cutting-edge scientific and industrial expertise to deliver key technology that could help advance future transmutation systems toward practical, large-scale operation.”

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. nuclear reactors have generated more than 90,000 metric tons of used nuclear fuel, with roughly 2,000 additional metric tons produced each year. Much of it remains stored at nuclear power plants nationwide. Countries such as France recover usable materials from used fuel for use in new fuel, but high costs, government investment requirements and other challenges have limited commercial recycling in the United States.

NEWTON scientists believe transmutation could be the key to overcoming many of these challenges. The process uses powerful machines called particle accelerators to direct tiny, high-energy particles at some of the most hazardous materials in used nuclear fuel. This triggers reactions that change those materials into forms that remain hazardous for much shorter periods, potentially making nuclear waste easier to manage. However, treating waste on a large scale would require accelerators that consume enormous amounts of electricity, making energy use and cost major barriers to commercial use.

This is where GA and its collaborators come in. As part of the broader effort, the team will design, procure and integrate an RF system that combines the power of multiple magnetrons. These devices generate microwave energy, which is brought together into a single, high-power source to help operate the accelerator. The goal is to demonstrate a more efficient approach that could reduce electricity consumption and lower the operating costs of future accelerators.

“This project is President Trump’s nuclear renaissance in action — putting the same basic technology behind a kitchen microwave to work on one of nuclear energy’s toughest challenges, spent fuel,” said Conner Prochaska, director of the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy. “By making particle accelerators smaller, cheaper and more efficient, General Atomics and its partners could help reduce the impact of nuclear waste destined for permanent disposal, strengthen American leadership in nuclear innovation, and help usher in a new golden age of American energy.”

General Atomics has advanced nuclear technology since the 1950s, from developing the TRIGA research reactor to supporting major fusion breakthroughs. The company operates the DIII-D National Fusion Facility, built the ITER Central Solenoid and produced precision components that contributed to the historic achievement of fusion ignition at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.

Building on that experience, GA’s work on the magnetron combiner will complement technologies being developed by Jefferson Lab, Stellant Systems and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. If the prototype performs as planned, it could be prepared for future integration with other components into larger accelerator systems, moving the team toward a more complete demonstration.

The potential reaches beyond nuclear waste. More efficient, lower-cost accelerators could also support medical isotope production, help break down persistent chemicals such as PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” and enable other advanced nuclear energy applications.

“This project brings together the strengths of American industry and the national laboratory community to address a persistent challenge that demands new technical solutions,” Packard said. “That is what makes this work exciting. It could give the United States another practical option for dealing with used nuclear fuel while opening new possibilities for accelerator technology.”

For more information about NEWTON, visit ARPA-E’s NEWTON program page. To learn more about General Atomics’ work in energy, including fission and fusion, visit GA’s Energy Systems and Products page.

Since the dawn of the atomic age, General Atomics has advanced science and technology across fields including nuclear energy, defense, medicine and high-performance computing. With a global team of scientists, engineers and professionals, GA applies its experience and capabilities to deliver safe, sustainable, economical and innovative solutions for complex challenges.

Contacts

Andrew James

Communications Lead

General Atomics Energy Group